Beginner - need a computer - some basic questions

[Michael R]

Hi everyone -

Some quick background. Long time darkroom guy who would like to start learning how to make good scans of negatives (up to 4x5, B&W and colour) and scans of B&W darkroom prints. The purpose is simply to be able to share/present images online in forums etc. That is, screen viewing only, no printing. I used to think scans presented online would always look like crap, but I have since realized they can look very good, even low resolution stuff shared in forums - if you know what you're doing. I'm starting from square one, having only read a few intro articles and resources. I've also reached out to a few people regarding workflow. But that's about it so far.

I'm likely going to buy an Epson V800. However I will need a computer to run it, and that's where I know less. It will be a Windows/PC/laptop (not Mac), and I assume the software I'll end up using for editing will be that Adobe rental package with Lightroom/Photoshop (along with Epson Scan which will come with the scanner). What are some of the basic requirements for a computer running this stuff? Things like memory, speed, processor etc.

I'll keep searching online and will end up also having to ask a salesman at a store or something, but figured I'd ask for some basic starting help here from people who know what they are doing. I'll probably post the same thread on LFPF for additional feedback.

Thanks in advance.

 

[OzJohn]

If you are truly not going to print any of your scanned output, just about any PC available today would do the job - the specifications would be largely immaterial apart, perhaps, from 4GB RAM and a couple of USB sockets, preferably at least one of which is USB3. On the software side why pay Adobe 10 bucks a month for ever to subscribe when you can buy Photoshop Elements outright for around $100. I don't own it but I've used the latest version 14 and it will do everything and more that you'll need. Your choice of scanner is excellent; in the end it is the scanner, more than the computer or software, that will give you good image quality. OzJohn

 

[Alan Klein]

+1.

One comment. If you're scanning 4x5's, the file size if you decide to scan for future printing will be in the hundreds of MB's. Of course if you only want to scan for the web, you can scan much smaller. If not, get a large capacity hard drive for storage with 256GB SSD. 8-12gb memory might be warranted for processing too. I always feel it's best to get a little more than I think I need as I start to do things in the future that requires more horsepower. Good luck.

 

[Doyle Thomas]

THE 800 also includes basic SilverFast scanwear. recommend u use that

 

[Michael R]

Thanks for the help everyone. Lots to think about. Perhaps it would be good to go for the extra horsepower in case I ever want to print.

OzJohn, I'm not familiar with Elements so thanks for bringing it up. I'll look into it. I assumed I would need Photoshop but perhaps Elements will do. I'm at the beginning of this adventure so lots to learn.

Doyle, what part of the process does SilverFast comprise? The "steps" in the workflow are things I'll need to learn about since I'm still somewhat confused about it. Up until now I had been assuming Epson Scan was the scanning software I'd be using and that I'd then be editing in something like Photoshop. Does SilverFast replace Epson Scan or is it an additional step?

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Alan Klein]

I use Epson Scan in my V600. I've never used other software. You can't use both for the same scan. Epson Scan has a complete program that let's you adjust for the scans. You may find it's enough so give it a shot before you buy other scanning programs. I use Epson Scan and usually scan without adjustments and do those in post processing using Adobe Photoshop Elements or Adobe Lightroom. Sometimes I do minor adjustments before the scan with Epson Scan and finish the edits after the scan with Elements or Lightroom.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I will disagree with Oz John on the Adobe PsLr package.It is an absolute bargain for $10/ month and always up to date.Elements ain't worth my time.Ps is so much more powerful and universal. all ibstructions and lecture in books, magazines or on the web are in either Ps or Lr hardly ever in Elements.Go with the real Photoshop if you are serious

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Thanks for the help everyone. Lots to think about. Perhaps it would be good to go for the extra horsepower in case I ever want to print.

OzJohn, I'm not familiar with Elements so thanks for bringing it up. I'll look into it. I assumed I would need Photoshop but perhaps Elements will do. I'm at the beginning of this adventure so lots to learn.

Doyle, what part of the process does SilverFast comprise? The "steps" in the workflow are things I'll need to learn about since I'm still somewhat confused about it. Up until now I had been assuming Epson Scan was the scanning software I'd be using and that I'd then be editing in something like Photoshop. Does SilverFast replace Epson Scan or is it an additional step?

Thanks again everyone.

Alternatively,try Vuescan(free trial on the web)really simple and still very good

 

[Alan Klein]

The OP only wants to scan film for presentation on the web. The full Photoshop and Lightroom subscription package is overkill. I doubt if the OP needs to spend $10 per month or $1200 over the next ten years on software. Elements and/or Lightroom non-subscription models would be more than he needs in power and flexibility. You can get Elements 14 for $70 and Lightroom 6 for about $140.

 

[Michael R]

Thanks again for all the comments so far. At least I sort of know where to start now (and can sort of make sure I don't get ripped off by a computer salesman telling me I need 200 gigawatts of RAM).